North America

Marine Animals In The Spotlight On The Pacific Ocean Of The USA

November 19, 2019 by John J Gentry Leave a Comment

Californa Elephant Seals Seaside

Massive Northern Elephant Seals At Piedras Blanca San Simeon California

These Massive Northern Elephant Seals live in the warm waters of the California Pacific Ocean and Northern Baja California.Much of their life is spent at sea, only coming in to remote and rocky beaches during times of breeding, and when they give birth. They also come into these areas when they are ready to molt. The majority of their life they live at sea.

There was a time when thousands upon thousands Elephant Seals lived in The Pacific, then in the 1800’s they were slaughtered till less than 100 Seals. All this for their blubber which gave a valuable oil. Both the US and Mexico protect them now and there are as many as 160,000 living Seals in the Pacific again.

These massive animals can be fun to watch, as they are quite comical at times.

“I Want To Play!” Elephant Seal Pup At Piedras Blancas Rookery San Simeon California

“The Beach Is My Happy Place” At San Simeon California

“Seals Playing On The Buoy” On The Northern Inside Passage In Petersburg Alaska

These Harbor Seals are at play and having a lot of fun. When fishing, they can dive more than a quarter mile for their dinner. They love Halibut! They are also able to fish for almost an hour under the water, when necessary.

Steller Sea Lions Resting In The Sun On The Rocks Near Sea Lion Caves Near Florence Oregon

These Northern Sea Lions are many times confused with the California Sea Lions. They are much larger than their California Cousins, often grow to 11 feet long and can weigh as much as 2,500 pounds.

When traveling on the West Coast from Alaska to California, keep diligent watch and who knows what you will see. There are many different types of Marine Animals that live in the Pacific. The next time you come, take a leisurely drive up Highway 101 from California to Washington. It follows the beach side most of the time. Have fun and begin building your own collection of Amazing Marine Animals.

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Denali National Park and Preserve In Alaska

June 9, 2019 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Welcome Denali National Park — Welcome to Denali National Park

Welcome to Denali National Park Alaska and Reserve In Alaska

Denali State Park Alaska is a small piece of Alaskan Paradise. It’s the tallest peak is Mt.McKinley. Mt. McKinley is revered by the Tanaina Indians. “Kesugi” is an Indian word in the Tanaina dialect which means “The Ancient One.” It is interesting that Denali in the Tanana dialect means “The High One.” Denali is the original name for Mt. McKinley. Mt. McKinley is 20,320 feet high and is the highest mountain peak in North America.

“HISTORY
Although generations of Athabascans had wandered through what is now the park, the first permanent settlement was established in 1905, when a gold miners’ rush gave birth to the town of Kantishna. A year later, naturalist and noted hunter Charles Sheldon was stunned by the beauty of the land and horrified at the reckless abandon of the miners and big-game hunters. Sheldon returned in 1907 and traveled the area with guide Harry Karstens in an effort to set up boundaries for a proposed national park. Sheldon was successful as the area was established as Mount McKinley National Park in 1917 with Karstens serving as the park’s first superintendent. It was designated an international biosphere reserve in 1976. As a result of the 1980 Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act, the park was enlarged to more than 6 million acres and renamed Denali National Park and Preserve. In 2015 President Barack Obama officially renamed Mt. McKinley to Denali, its Athabascan given name meaning “the Tall One.” Denali now comprises an area slightly larger than the state of Massachusetts and is ranked as one of Alaska’s top attractions.” (8. Travel Alaska)

Denali State Park Alaska is over 325 acres of State Park. It is located in Alaska, America’s most northern state. On one side it borders the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. The borough is on the east side of the Denali (Old Name Mckinley National Reserve)Park and does allow people to see the Denali mountain from several viewpoints.

There are three of Alaska’s finest log cabins available for nightly rental. The park is open all during the year. It can be reserved and paid for through the Matanuska-Susitna Area Headquarters in Wasilla. It can also be reserved at The Information Center in Anchorage, Alaska.

Denali National Park Map

The first cabin is a log cabin with a sod roof. It can be reached during the summer by car. The second log cabin has an awesome view of Mt. McKinley, Alaska’s highest mountain. It is accessible by car during the summer, but the last leg of the journey is a 1/2 mile walk to the cabin itself. It can also be reached in the summer by canoe or kayak. The third cabin is only 70 yards from the second. It has a fantastic view of Kesugi Ridge. All of the cabins sleep 6 people. Winter access varies with current weather conditions for all the cabins.

Camping is also available at the Byers Lake Campground. Canoe and Kayak rentals are available from the Denali Southside River Guides. Firewood can be bought from the camp host. The lake does not allow any motorized boats or aircraft in the area.

All of these photographs and videos are from our numerous excursions to the park and we encourage you the reader to share and to use them. We only ask that you give us a link back to this site so we can continue to share our stories and adventures about this wonderful place for many years to come.

Mountains and trees of Denali National Park

Denali State Park Information and Reservations

“The towering granite spires and snowy summits of Denali National Park and Preserve straddles 160 miles of the Alaska Range and display so much elevation they are often lost in the clouds. Dominating this skyline is North America’s highest peak; Denali ascends majestically to 20,310 feet and is one of the most awe-inspiring sights in Alaska. Approximately 400,000 intrepid travelers journey to Denali National Park and Preserve each year, primarily between late May and early September.”(8. Travel Alaska)

There are several ways to contact the park or to arrange reservations if your planning on using the facilities. Remember the park does have an entry fee but if you have one of the access passes make sure to let them know so they can record your visit. This helps them to estimate the number of visitors and money is allocated to improve different areas of the park based on this information.

Mat-Su Area Headquarters in Wasilla at 907-745-3975
Public Information Center in Anchorage at 907-269-8400
Denali National Park and Preserve (On the Parks Highway)
Address: Trapper Creek, AK 99683 Phone: (907) 745-3975
Denali Southside River Guides at 907-733-7238

Located along Alaska Route 3, it is approximately 240 miles north of Anchorage. It is approximately 187 miles south of Fairbanks, Healy is 74 miles to the north. Denali State Park Alaska is waiting for the outdoor enthusiast and adventurists in spirit. If you travel through Canada on the Alaska Highway, a passport is required. Come enjoy Alaska’s Denali and all she has to offer and be prepared for the weather and wildlife. Come prepared and plan well for this awesome experience and vacation for those who love nature.

Alaska Railroad Denali Star Station

Denali National Park Denali Star Train Depot

Another mode of transportation used by people from around the world is the Alaska railroad. Visitors can embark from Wittier, Anchorage airport or from Fairbanks and stip right inside the park. Various resorts, hotels, and others have the ability to pick you up and to take you where you need to go.

Directly from the Alaska Railroad website, we have this piece of useful information. and links to various information you the reader might need.”Given the long history of the Alaska Railroad and Denali National Park, it’s no wonder that Denali is so accessible for train travelers. Upon arrival to the Denali Depot, passengers are met by shuttle buses from Denali hotels and lodges (see our recommendations below). The many activities on offer to explore the Park – Denali flightseeing, river rafting, tundra golf and more – also provide complimentary shuttle services.”(11. Alaska Railroad Denali Station)

Alaska Railroad train travel Denali Star — Alaska Railroad train travel on the Denali Star with a stop at the Denali depot station.

The DENALI STAR TRAIN has a route from Anchorage > Wasilla > Talkeetna > Denali > Fairbanks and then goes back in reverse order, has Daily service mid-May to mid-September. If you can afford the upgrade we recommend the Gold Star upgrade where you have special seating and viewing arrangements along with food and beverages available at an extra charge.

The Denali Highway

The Alaska Denali highways provide a unique opportunity to view Alaska’s nature in it’s prime with little interference from Man. The highway is maintained but if you are coming by rental car you should also take some precautions. First, make sure the tires look good and have your windshield wiper fluid full because you’re going to have a lot of window dust. Second Alaska can be unforgiving and roads being damaged, washout or closed for construction can happen. So with this being said it’s a good idea to have food, water, and some basic camping gear on hand. Also if your planning to go up into the farthest points of the road or the preserve make sure your gas take is topped off. Also, consider having some emergency gas on hand just in case. As you drive along you will see many different types of animals and it’s critical that you never feed these animals or touch them in any way. By doing so they will associate humans with food and for bears, this means the Rangers will have to put them down.

“This sparsely-traveled, mostly gravel highway offers a taste of wild Alaska and wide-open vistas of mountains, glaciers, tundra, forests, lakes, and rivers. The 133-mile road connects Paxson Lodge on the Richardson Highway with the Cantwell junction on the Parks Highway. Only the first 21 miles west of the Richardson Highway and 3 miles east of Cantwell Junction is paved. The road climbs to elevations over 4000 feet offering birders relatively easy access to alpine habitats. Posted trailheads on the eastern portion of the road mark good starting points for off-road travel and wildlife viewing. Several canoe routes are also accessible from the highway. Tangle Lakes at the headwaters of the Delta River is a popular launching area for canoeists. Most of the land along the highway is publicly owned. The federal Bureau of Land Management (BLM) maintains some trails and camping facilities along the way. The highway is generally open from mid-May to October 1. Do not take a vehicle on the road outside of these dates as snowdrifts can block your way and leave you stranded. Carry extra food, water, and camping equipment as well as a spare tire and jack while driving on this road. Be prepared as help may not be readily available.” (1 Alaska Department ofFish and Game)

Very few people who visit Alaska fully grasp the size and diversity the state has to offer and this guide will help you to be better prepared and to travel the Denali highway. It is road trips such as these help to bind us together and to bring us closer to nature.

Mountain and grass plains of Denali National Park

Touches Of Yesterday In The High Tundra At Denali National Public Grounds and Preserve

One of the marvelous delights is to just wander throughout the park. On one such trek, the team came upon this old and well-used outhouse of days gone by. Even though many outhouses are still in use, this one had seen better days. For those in need of its services, it is a blessing in the middle of nowhere. Before this park was monitored people still used it for hunting and trapping even if it might not have been legal at the time. Today the park is very monitored and controlled by the federal national park system and employees. Also, the University of Alaska system has a close relationship with the park and the employees you maintain it all year.

Autumn in Denali National Park and Reserve in Alaska has a tremendous amount to offer and just driving down the main road can give you almost 100 miles of nature to see. We have gone here many different times of the year and the animal activity changes with the seasons. Lately, we have been seeing many more caribou and the bird wildlife seems to be much more active as well. Autumn is a special time for Alaska as the animals prepare for winter and become very active.

While traveling through the park on an autumn day, this beautiful view presented itself. The surrounding hills had a fresh layer of snow. Snow begins to fall in the early to mid-autumn, as much of the park is very high. Once the first snowfall arrives, it is only a matter of time till the hills will be completely covered by this magnificent white stuff. Every corner and around each and every hill is a special treat for nature lovers like and for those who are looking for another photo opportunity.

The caribou you see at the end of the above video was found on the main park road going into the park at about mile 15. There was one main male who seemed to be looking out for this small group and he kept raising his head to smell us upwind of him. We waiting for some time until we started moving the vehicle forward so we could pass. What you cannot see from this small video is that we encountered three separate groups just along the main road alone and another out on the old ice by a hiking trail. They are active at different times of the year and will move around the park into different areas at different seasons. In the fall they will all group together and begin a migration to where they can eat in their winter grasslands.

The Denali National Park Food Experience

Come early and have your appetite ready, as this is a great place to eat Salmon. There are many kinds of local fish and other meats served, but the salmon is out of this world. While in Denali, a stop at this restaurant is a must and there are several others to choose from as well. Also, there a big lodge just in front of the park that has a more upscale restaurant if that is something you want. Healy also has a few “hole in the walls” and Roses (currently Open 2019) has a hardy breakfast and good coffee.

Along the main road of the park, there are numerous parking areas, and this allows you to get off the beaten path and to explore the many other small walking trails. In the spring the wildlife comes alive and the plants and trees have a fresh green look to them that is very beautiful. Pull off areas are along the main road for various photo opportunities so make sure to park off the road safely.

The spring thaw of the River and mountains Denali National Park

Springtime in Alaska is called the spring break up and that is when the ice within the numerous rivers melt and becoming raging rivers again. Many different springs shoot out of the ground and nature activity rises as the park is a crisp green.

Animals of Denali

The park is home to birds and various mammals to include a Caribou herd who roam the plains of the National Park free from hunting.

“Denali’s abundant and diverse wildlife are just as famous as its tallest mountain, Denali, which towers above the landscape at 20,310’ tall. In truth, although the park’s namesake is a mountain, Denali was the first national park created to protect wildlife. Now, this park is home to 39 species of mammals, 169 species of birds, and 1 lonely species of amphibian.” (5 National Park Service Denali)

Caribou

The Denali Caribou weigh in between 175–400 lbs, these caribou are much smaller than moose, and their brown cream coats can be a very rich color during the summer. The racks of these caribou are very distinctive and oversized as compared to the rest of their bodies. Both the male and female caribou grow antlers with the males’ antlers being larger Pregnant females keep their antlers, with males and other females shedding theirs in the winter or early spring. (4 Alaska Department of Fish and Game)

Spruce Grouse

Grouse-Spruce-Birding-Denali-National-Park=Alaska. — Wild Grouse Spruce Birding within the Denali National Park within Alaska.

Spruce grouse, or (Chanachites canadensis), is often known as the spruce hens or the spruce chickens. They live in the forest as lower level dwellers and are throughout the Denali area park and surrounding areas of the state. Here in Denali Park, they can be identified with their brown-tipped tail. They are dark, fatter looking birds and can be hard to spot unless they moving around. Many times you could be walking beside them so always make sure to look carefully as you hike around the park. (3 Denali Education Center)

Willow Ptarmigan

Alaska’s state bird is the willow ptarmigan or (Lagopus lagopus), a very sociable bird that is common in the grasslands across Alaska’s regions statewide. In 1955 Alaska leadership of the Territory were drafting the constitution for statehood asked Alaska school children and they chose the willow ptarmigan as a symbol or state bird of the future Great State. It became the official state bird of the state when Alaska was made the 49th state in 1960. (2)

The willow ptarmigan has built-in camouflage as protection against predators and changes its plumage from light brown in the summer, and to snow white in winter. Another distinctive feature, its feathered feet, helps this sedentary bird negotiate the frozen ground. The willow ptarmigan is the largest of three “Arctic grouse” found in Alaska, which also includes the rock and the white-tailed ptarmigan.(2)
“Ptarmigan are sociable in winter and usually feed and roost close together in the snow. In spring, they travel to their breeding grounds in flocks of several thousand. These flocks disperse in summer as the male’s elbow for foraging room on the tundra. Unlike other grouse, the male willow ptarmigan often takes responsibility for the young, defending them against predators.” (1 Alaska Department of Fish and Game)
“The willow ptarmigan occupies a broad range throughout Canada, Scandinavia, Finland, and Russia and is closely related to the famous red grouse of Scotland.” (2)

The Alaska Moose is a very large animal and is unique in its size to Alaska and some of the Yukon territory.

“Moose (Alces alces) are the largest members of the deer family, and Alaska moose is the largest of all. They may appear gangly and awkward, but these imposing creatures can run at speeds of up to 35 mph and swim at 6 mph for up to two hours. A large bull can weigh up to 1,600 pounds and stand over seven feet tall at the shoulder. During the breeding season or “rut,” males joust with one another by bringing their massive antlers together and pushing. Cows with calves can be fiercely protective.” (7. Alaska Department of Fish and Game)

Grizzly bear munching on roots and grasses in Tanana Valley State Forest Alaska

The park with its rich resources has many Grizzly bears that will roam around the park looking for food. Normally they are safe to look at from a distance but it’s important to not feed them and do not have food for them to smell.

“Brown bears (also known as grizzlies) and black bears are common across many areas of Alaska. They are closely related to each other and to the polar bear, which is classified as a marine mammal. A brown bear (Ursus arctos) is usually larger than a black bear (Ursus americanus), has a more prominent hump on its shoulder, less prominent ears, and longer, straighter front claws. Longer claws are useful for digging roots or excavating small burrowing animals. Black bears’ shorter claws are more efficient for climbing trees.” (6. Alaska Department of Fish and Game)

River and mountains of Denali National Park

The Denali Park and Preserve aim to preserve this piece of Alaska for people around the world to enjoy and to remain a safe habitat for the animals to roam free. Alaska is by far the last frontier of the United States and it’s National Parks help to keep our footprint here within the country in better balance. How we preserve and use these lands will speak volumes to the following generation to come.

Murie Science and Learning Center

Murie Science Learning Center Entrance — Murie Science and Learning Center front office and entrance.

Adventures and education can go well together at this center for excellence have a lot to offer both young and old. Information about the park, it’s animals and the people who work in the animal sciences are there to educate and inform you. As stated by the center in their own words “each summer the Murie Science and Learning Center becomes a springboard for unique and intimate park experiences in Denali. These multi-day field courses are coordinated by Alaska Geographic and led by distinguished scientists, authors, and naturalists.” (9. Murie Science and Learning Center)

“Research and discovery in the subarctic and arctic

The Murie Science and Learning Center promotes science and stewardship on behalf of national parks in Alaska. Murie is part of a national effort to increase scientific literacy by showcasing research from living laboratories like Denali National Park and Preserve.
The center also serves as Denali’s winter visitor center. The center is run by the National Park Service in partnership with Alaska Geographic and other organizations. It is open from 9:30 am—5 pm in winter (from late September through May 14th, closed for major holidays); and for advertised events only from May 15 through late September 2018.” (9. Murie Science and Learning Center)

Inside there are employees of the park available to assist you with information and to direct you to various exhibits or materials. There is a very nice seating area to stay warm after or before your next hike within this family-friendly environment. If needed there are also restrooms inside for your convenience as well.

Murie Science and Learning Center Warm and comfy resting

Trace Fossils

Even though today it is our focus to be on the current animal population it’s important to not lose focus on the distant past and to learn everything the remote past of the park has to offer. Ichnofossils, also known as trace fossils are on display here at the center and can educate yourself on this unique science about the park that few even realize have been found there. Here is an excerpt below directly from the center in reference to this photograph.

Denali Theropod Track on display at the Murie Science and Learning Center.

“First fossil footprint
During a geology field camp in 2005, Dr. Paul McCarthy from the University of Alaska Fairbanks Department of Geology and Geophysics rested his hand on an outcrop of the Cantwell Formation and spoke to a small group of students about how similar-aged rocks commonly preserve dinosaur tracks in other places. When he suggested that the group should keep an eye out for fossils, student Susi Tomsich pointed near the professor’s hand and asked, “Like that one?” That original theropod track is now on display at the Murie Science and Learning Center in Denali. ” (10. First fossil footprint)

Murie Science Center Theropod tracks — Murie Science Center Theropod Tracks

National Park Service Denali
If important to understand more about the National Park Serve here at the park and we are going to take a few minutes here to tell you about what they are doing here at the park.
In conclusion if you still need additional look at the bottom of this article and you will find a list of keywords and search terms that will lead you to additional information. Also they are lited in the order of importance and by the amount information available per term.

Some of this content is displayed via Google Local Connect here – > Denali

References:

Alaska Fish and Game Denali Highway http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm%3Fadfg%3Dviewinglocations.denalihighway
Alaska Fish and Game Ptarmigan https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=birdviewing.iconicbirds&species=willowptarmigan
https://www.denali.org/denalis-natural-history/spruce-grouse/
ADFG Denali Caribou https://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=viewing.landmammals&species=caribou#anchor
National Park Service Denali https://www.nps.gov/dena/learn/nature/wildlife.htm
ADFG Brown Bears http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=viewing.landmammals&species=bears#anchor
ADFG Moose http://www.adfg.alaska.gov/index.cfm?adfg=viewing.landmammals&species=moose#anchor
Travel Alaska https://www.travelalaska.com/Destinations/Parks-and-Public-Lands/Denali-National-Park-and-Preserve.aspx
Murie Science and Learning Center https://www.nps.gov/rlc/murie/index.htm
First fossil footprint https://www.nps.gov/dena/learn/nature/trace-fossils.htm
Alaska Railroad Denali Station https://www.alaskarailroad.com/travel-planning/destinations/denali-national-park

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Word Cloud of Danali National Park Search terms and article — Word Cloud of Denali National Park Search terms and article word cloud.

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My Alaska Hiking Blog of the Far North

May 4, 2019 by ExploreTraveler Leave a Comment

Today we thought we should add to our Alaska Hiking Blog feature here at ExploreTraveler. These days we are in the interior of Alaska and spring breakup is now upon us. As you can see some of the smaller lakes are starting to un-freeze but others are still very much frozen. So far this spring we have decided to hit out on the trails that start on the land owned by the University of Alaska. We like t get started early in the morning and begin hiking deep into the easy trails first and this keeps going until we run out of time. I have added German translations to help our visitors from Europe to find this article and ease of information sharing.

Heute dachten wir, wir sollten unsere Alaska Hiking Blog-Funktion hier bei ExploreTraveler hinzufügen. In diesen Tagen sind wir im Inneren von Alaska und der Frühjahrsaufbruch steht vor der Tür. Wie Sie sehen können, beginnen einige der kleineren Seen zu frieren, aber andere sind immer noch sehr gefroren. In diesem Frühjahr haben wir uns entschieden, auf den Wegen zu gehen, die auf dem Land beginnen, das der Universität von Alaska gehört. Wir starten nicht früh am Morgen und wandern zuerst tief in die einfachen Wege, und das geht so lange weiter, bis uns die Zeit ausgeht.

These days we have a tremendous amount of opportunity to visit the great outdoors and with parks, trails, and US National Parts here in Alaska. You basically just need to put on your backpack and to start walking. The moose are out and about and soon the bears will be waking up soon. Please do keep in mind that the bears will be waking up soon or are awake already depending on when you decide to get started. If you are on certain state, federal or university lands you might not be able to bring a firearm for defense so consider a very good bear spray that can reach a farther distance.

In diesen Tagen haben wir eine riesige Gelegenheit, die große Natur und mit Parks, Trails und US-Nationalparks hier in Alaska zu besuchen. Sie müssen im Grunde nur auf Ihren Rucksack und zu Fuß beginnen. Die Elche sind raus und bald werden die Bären aufwachen. Bitte beachten Sie, dass die Bären bald aufwachen oder schon wach sind, je nachdem, wann Sie sich entscheiden, loszulegen. Wenn Sie auf einem bestimmten Bundes-, Bundes-oder Universitätsland sind, können Sie vielleicht nicht in der Lage sein, eine Schusswaffe zur Verteidigung mitzunehmen, so dass Sie ein sehr gutes Bärenspray in Betracht ziehen, das eine weiter entfernte Strecke erreichen kann.

Traveling does require some forward thought and bring extra socks and trying to keep your feet dry can be difficult at times. The tundra is very wet, swampy and thick with moss. Your feet are an important asset so please make sure to take care of them. Calculate the amount of time to your destination and ensure you have the food, water, and supplies to last in case something goes wrong.

Reisen erfordert einige Vorüberlegung und bringen zusätzliche Socken und versuchen, die Füße trocken zu halten kann manchmal schwierig sein. Die Tundra ist sehr nass, sumpfig und dick mit Moos. Ihre Füße sind ein wichtiges Gut, also achten Sie bitte darauf, sich um sie zu kümmern. Berechnen Sie die Zeit bis zu Ihrem Ziel und stellen Sie sicher, dass Sie die Nahrung, das Wasser und die Vorräte haben, um für den Fall, dass etwas schief geht, zu halten.

My Alaska Hiking Blog Tips

My Alaska Hiking Blog of the Far North - A close up of a map - University of Alaska — Hiking trails of University of Alaska

The weather in early spring can be a little strange and change rapidly. Under Alaska law, if you do end up in a survival situation you are allowed to hunt, build a fire as long as you use reasonable judgment. Before you start and if your find wildlife viewing interesting consider getting a free guide and Request a free guide book here to help with your planning. Just don’t forget your binoculars! From moose, bears, sandhill cranes, geese and much more the wildlife around here really explodes into massive activity in the spring.

Das Wetter im Frühlingsanfang kann etwas seltsam sein und sich schnell ändern. Nach dem Alaska Gesetz, wenn Sie in einer Überlebenssituation landen, dürfen Sie jagen, bauen Sie ein Feuer, solange Sie vernünftiges Urteil. Bevor Sie anfangen und wenn Sie die Tierbeobachtung interessant finden, sollten Sie sich hier einen kostenlosen Reiseführer besorgen und ein kostenloses Reiseführer anfordern, um Ihnen bei Ihrer Planung behilflich zu sein. Vergessen Sie Ihr Fernglas nicht! Von Elchen, Bären, Sandhügelkrähen, Gänsen und vielem mehr explodiert die hier herumtrausende Tierwelt im Frühjahr in massive Aktivität.

Some basic first aid kit supplies to consider when or hiking in here.

A knee or ankle support brace
Bandages/Bandaids of varies sikes
Gauze roll
Sterile Dressings
Micropore medical tape
Tylenol for headaches or simple pain relief
Ibuprofen tablets for inflammation and sprains
Ibuprofen Gel
Oral rehydration salts or a small bottle of Gatorade
Antiseptic cream or spray
Sunblock

Einige grundlegende Erste-Hilfe-Sets, die Sie beachten sollten, wenn Sie hier wandern.

Ein Knie oder Knöchelstütze braceBandages/Bandaids von variierten sikesGauze rollSterile DressingsMicropore Micropore medizinischen TapeTylenol für Kopfschmerzen oder einfache Schmerzen reliefIbuprofen Tabletten für Entzündungen und SprainsIbuprofen GelOral-Rehydratationsalze oder eine kleine Flasche GatoradeAntiseptische Creme oder SpraySunblock

Ponds and lakes are everywhere up here and as the ice melts we should start finding the moose standing inside getting nutrients from the bottom.

Soon this small lake will be active with ducks from around the world.

Having time with family and friends is always a good time to spend the day. We will expand this hiking overview with more photos and videos here.

Trails can be groomed or just made from people or animals so try to read your maps well and check out the GPS.

My Alaska Hiking Blog Bird Watching Tips

Here are a few birds you might see along the way.

My Alaska Hiking Blog of the Far North - A bird sitting on the ground - American woodcock — American woodcock. Photo by LavandarFields / Wikimedia.

My Alaska Hiking Blog of the Far North - A small bird perched on top of a wooden branch - Bird — Eastern Phoebe (Photo: John Benson/Creative Commons)

Alaska Marine Highway Adventure

April 21, 2019 by John J Gentry Leave a Comment

Photo Credit

Alaska Marine System Highway Ferry’s

The Alaska Marine Highway has to be one of our favorite adventures and one we have done several times. It connects into the Alaska State highway system, and railways giving you plenty of adventure all along the way. The distance, territories, and place one can see will boggle the mind. This article is meant to be a guide, and a motivational piece to get you the reader out of your house or apartment and on an adventure that does not have to be high cost unless you want it to be.

First, you must look into the Washington state ferry reservations from Bellingham Washington using the Alaska Marine Highway reservation system here . The website will give some general idea on times, dates of sailings, and costs of doing so. Now keep in mind that the state of Alaska will raise the prices during the most active time of the year, and July – August will be the most expensive time.

Now the route you choose to take will depend on the ferry you choose to sail with. In this photo, you get a general idea as to how these ferries work and where each of them go depending on what you choose.

From Bellingham Washington, you always stop in Ketchikan Alaska, and you must be ready to see wildlife all along the way. The beauty of the Inside Passage will blow you away and should be considered one of the world’s wonders.

As you look around coming into Ketchikan you must keep a close eye open for whales, eagles, and other wildlife. The deck around your ferry will provide you with 360 degrees of viewing pleasure, but you must walk around to see everything.

Alaska Marine Highway - Ketchikan, Southeastern Alaska USA — Ketchikan, Southeastern Alaska the USA

We have come into Ketchikan in the early sailing season and within the summer. Each time period will provide you with a different view, and animals to see all along the way.

Petersburg Alaska will sneak up on you, and you should make sure to keep your times for viewing ready. Each time the ferry stops they will give you time to be able to look around. Always keep a close eye open for the Eagles because they like to sit on the electric poles just outside of your ship.

Keep in mind that seafood is a way of life in Alaska, and some at a restaurant close to your port will be a great culinary adventure. Some of these ports have food very close by, and others you will need to walk a little way, but the food will be great.

Now coming into Petersburg can be a great photo opportunity, and you must be ready to capture those amazing shots. Here in this photo, you have a general idea of what you will see, and find as you move along your Alaska Marine Highway Adventure.

Now each time you stop make sure you are clear, and fully understand what time you will need to be back. Sometimes it’s a shortstop of about an hour, and other times you will have several hours. So make sure you know exactly when you should return.

Now as your trip moves along you will have to allot more to see, and you have allotted more to see. Wrangell Alaska is now up and coming, and you will want to keep a lookout for those snow-capped mountains.

Evening in Wrangell Alaska - Alaska Marine Highway

Coming into Wrangell will be a site to see, and you are still within Alaska’s fisherman village country. The mountains and the local people will be very welcoming. Make sure if you do change ferries, and have a vehicle to be in your staging area on time. Here is a video to help you understand the process, and how the loading goes.

Now, this video is over an hour long so you will want to fast forward and get an idea of the automobile loading process. With your vehicle loaded and off to the next destination of Juneau Alaska, this Alaska Marine Highway Adventure is just getting started.

Alaska Marine Highway ~ Juneau echoing the old Gold Rush days in Alaska

Juneau does have to allot to see and you will need time to see the downtown area. The port is not far enough to walk too. and you will need to arrange transportation. Allot of people get off here, and stay until the next ferry comes along so they have the time to visit, and explore some of the parks here.

From here a lot of people will board, and begin their journey out towards the Skagway and Haines direction of the trip. These two ports you can walk off directly, and have a very enjoyable time.

Skagway Alaska is a historic landmark and still kept up as it was when it was first built. It is a western town, and with great food mixed in with plenty of shopping. If you do have time head over to the airport for a plane ride, and photo tour in the sky. I promise you will not be disappointed.

These flights will give you a view of the mountains, and glaciers you can only get from a flight.

Alaskan wilderness - Alaska Marine Highway

Sometimes only nature can provide the kind of photography love possible such as the sun here in the shape of a heart.

Now that you have left the Skagway and Haines area you are heading towards the remote area of Yakutat Alaska. This small town is a short walk and you can just walk off and explore the small town. We always get a small cup of coffee at the store just inside of the town.

The workers here are always keeping the docks ready to go, and your walk will be slightly uphill so just a bit of exercise. Once you get back on the ferry you will be heading out to Whittier Alaska.

Whittier is where a lot of people get off for two main reasons. First, those who will drive to Anchorage need to get off here. Second, this is also where you catch the train to explore the interior parts of Alaska.

Alaska Marine Highway - Whittier Alaska Gateway to the glacier and wildlife filled Prince William Sound

Just outside of the Whittier Tunnel this is what you will see, and Portage Glacier is now awaiting you. This national park has trails and you can walk right up to the glacier.

Alaska Marine Highway - Hiking to Exit Glacier at Kenai Fjords National Park

Depending on how you are taking transportation you still have a lot more to see. You can see these mountains from your train ride or if driving you will be out in the wild admiring the great outdoors.

Portage Glacier Valley - Alaska Marine Highway

Where ever you go from here will depend on what you want to do. We want to to consider taking the train all the way to Fairbanks Alaska, and from there renting a car where you can explore far and wide the Alaska experience.

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Alaska Marine Highway Adventure

US China Education Comparison

April 16, 2019 by ExploreTraveler Leave a Comment

Comparative Essay

Education, Economic Growth, and Success

China and the United States

John J Gentry

US China Education Comparison

The US-China Education Comparison and China growing economically and investing all around the world; they will become a major leader alongside the United States and the European Union. Current American attitudes with education and teamwork create a disadvantage in regards to China. China for better or worse will have a central planning authority and stable leadership since their constitution has been modified to keep the current leadership for the rest of his life. One must also think long and hard about China as a culture and how the Chinese family unit works as a whole with the goal of lifting each next generation to the next level of education and excellence. The family culture within the United States is being diminished at the same time the Chinese are solidifying the family unit for the purpose of moving these next generations forward. This concept can be hard for Americans who have bought into doing it alone attitude but we must understand why we are falling behind the world educationally so we can make an effort to improve. The United States must reform it’s secondary education system to include a structured college based system for juniors and senior high school students. (Segal, 2011)

Social differences between the two countries can be difficult for the average person to understand but they can be understood and broken down. First, we have to focus on the long-standing history of the Chinese and how they view their own history. China has had wars and many changes in leadership over thousands of years but the Chinese people always moved forward. China has been invaded and sometimes controlled via foreign powers but the Chinese people have always endured. China has gone through world war one, world war two, and the communist revolution and the Chinese peoples kept moving forward. Through famines, droughts and forced one child policies the culture of the Chinese people is still intact and very strong. This is the only culture in the world to have continuity over such a long period of time. However, this constant stability of family, village and regional support has always expected the next generation to build upon the last and this does show up in their massive growth. But with this style of expectations thrust upon each new generation, there is a certain spirit of innovation that can be lost. Chinese children are not for the most part allowed to spend time outside of studies and their continued education. So they begin to miss certain hands-on skills in everyday life. This difference can give them a disadvantage with troubleshooting and critical thinking tasks. Also being efficient with the use of their time can take a backseat due to saving face and showing respect to leadership and elders. With Chinese parents highly focused on economic enhancement for their family and country, most students will bypass as much education in the humanities altogether. Now there are some recent exceptions with some parents starting to include music and classical music into early childhood due to research that some parents think can enhance a child’s ability to perform in the math and sciences. As Nussbaum explains in regards to India but also applies here in regards to China; a lack of humanities can leave education less fulfilling and leave out the ability to develop critical thinking skills. (Nussbaum, 2010) When looking into the US China Education Comparison along these line we can clearly conclude the differences.

In the United States, we have strong university systems and encourage innovation, self-starters, imagination and critical thinking skills. However, during that last few decades, these same universities now have grown more political and center around certain politically correct norms. Thus isolating or pushing out students who don’t fit into that universities current political mindset or pre-setup economic conditioned model. (Nussbaum, 2010) This loss of balance is hurting our innovation and also encouraging foreign scientists to consider going back home where their own political ideas may be more accepted. Innovation requires the inclusion of people from multiple walks of life and with social differences becoming a political firestorm on university campuses we have the risk of pushing talent out of the country. Graduate level degree-seeking students should be able to have more interdisciplinary approaches without being excluded or looked down upon within academia as not specialized enough. Areas of study that combine multiple disciplines will only help us stay more competitive when combined within teams of other specialized fields. Our social construct from family, school, community and social environment should allow for students to overachieve and not restrict them back into the box of average students. We as a society need to help students find their areas of interest and help them develop these interests into a field of expertise. I have seen first hand how the educational systems in China and the United States to work and we must embrace the best of both systems while emboldening and preparing students to leave high school with several years of college study already under their belts.

US / China Education Comparison of how students prepare.

China and Asian educational systems have an over-reliance on preparing students via cramming sessions that help prepare students for short term testing opportunities such as the SAT. These same students who did do well on test several years later may not have the memory recall as one might expect. Since within China it is expected to spend many long hours of memorizing the material with very little sleep. A normal day of school instruction may begin at 8 am and end at 3:30 PM with students then heading to school again starting at 4:00 PM and continue to midnight. Some high schools even focus on the use of cram school programs with the hopes of scoring the top score of the SAT and getting into ivy leading schools in the United States. This does generate book smart students who can memorize tremendous amounts of material but they have not been given the time to synthesize the material into long term memory. Without a required amount of sleep, these same students can find themselves at a disadvantage longer term over some students who excelled within the American system. Also later when these same students go to interview at jobs they may lack the skills necessary to articulate themselves within a normal interview process.

Within the American educational system, we have struggled to ascertain the right method of verifying student learning and holding the educational system accountable for results. Students who wish to graduate early or attend university during their high school years are not supported to the extent that they should be. These students will need strong family support in order to get through the red tape and pass the gatekeepers who may not feel incentivized to support this level of activity. So one must ask the question of “how many students from lower income or single parent families miss these opportunities?” Having the intelligence is never enough since you need someone to recognize this and to help support you in using it to achieve excellence. It is my analysis that we as Americans miss these opportunities and only the students with strong family support pushing the school systems into action get the support needed to start University education early. The current struggle to stay on top via STEM educational systems is not enough and we must teach philosophy, history, art and a wide array of social sciences at an early age using creative techniques that enhance overall education and understanding of each other into the later years. Technical managers cannot organize or create international teams with the ability to communicate on a level that comes from a background in a multi-discipline academic approach.

Conclusions of US China Education Comparison

In conclusion, if the United States can reform it’s secondary education system to include a structured college based system for juniors and senior high school students we will not only beat China on innovation but helps students from all walks of life excel. It is my opinion that without an increase in funding we can achieve this by fostering strong family, community and state level support. By encouraging teachers to openly recommend alternative subjects tests such as AP, DSST, and CLEP while asking local universities to teach some subject matter at the Freshman level directly inside the high school classroom. By embracing students who have the ability to graduate early from high school or to brings the professors, businessman into the classroom giving young students early access to real-world use of skills, and how these people achieved success. How fully incorporating freshman-level college courses into junior/senior high school offering student duel credit as a normal basis and not as the rare exception. Helping administrators with support at the state and national level to be able to reach out to noneducators with skills already operating at successful levels or these same people who have retired and bring them into the classroom to show students real hands-on use of their education. The combination of humanities can also help keep out the ability to perform complex critical thinking skills at a level that only studying a specialized science cannot provide. (Nussbaum, 2010) In today’s interconnected world we must understand different languages, culture, and history found in the humanities and combined with the social sciences and hard sciences. For the United States to compete and to excel we must not throw out these other fields but embrace them into a mosaic collage of interdisciplinary thought. Our competitive edge has always been our ability to accept changes and to adapt to it. The ability to accept something new and to evolve new ideas and technologies to overcome a situation. The ability to take critical thinking from the past and to evolve old thought into new ideas that have taken us to space, the lunar surface, and a better understanding of our humanity. These skills cannot be learned by memorization alone and must be honed by a multi-disciplined approach. With exposure to a wide variety of experiences at the earliest of ages. Our families must be strong and not replaced by government systems but they should work as a solid eco-system that helps to enhance each other. Family, education, and economics should not be treated separately but as a joint cohesive unit that makes up the social construct of who we are as Americans. Our founding fathers knew this and embraced science and the humanities collectively and together we can and will achieve even greater accomplished in the years to come.

The US China Education Comparison and the gathering of new data will help both countries in the future to better understand their different strengths moving forward in the years to come.

References:

Adam Segal, “Why America’s innovation will beat out China’s” at:

http://globalpublicsquare.blogs.cnn.com/2011/03/10/why-american-innovation-will-beat-out-china/

Ferrara, M. S. (2015). Palace of ashes : China and the decline of American higher education. Baltimore : Johns Hopkins University Press, 2015

Nussbaum, Martha C. (2010) Not for Profit: Why Democracy Needs the Humanities. Princeton: Princeton University Press.

Lin, J. (2016). What Is Education For? A Discussion of Nussbaum’s “Not for Profit: Why Democracy Needs the Humanities.” Education and Urban Society, 48(8), 767–779.

Qian, Y. ( 1 ), Fan, C. ( 1 ), Han, Q. ( 2,3 ), & Yuan, W. ( 4 ). (n.d.). Insights into medical humanities education in China and the West. Journal of International Medical Research, 46(9), 3507–3517.

US China Education Comparison

copyright

John J Gentry

ExploreTraveler

Winter Adventures In Alaska USA

April 4, 2019 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Christmas Joy Lives Year Around In North Pole, Alaska

Who doesn’t know about the North Pole and all the stories about Santa Claus? But what most do not realize is that there is a town in Alaska, where this Santa is believed to be at work. Here he is said to live year around. He is always busy in his workshop making people happy. Here, joy fills the air no matter what time of year, but especially during the winter. Regardless, if you believe in the man with the jolly red suit or not, you can not escape the joy that is in the air as winter approaches. North Pole, Alaska is the home of winter time delight, astonishing creativity, and county charm.

A Journey Of Faith In North Pole Alaska

Through the thick winter fog, comes the faithful to partake in the weekly celebration of corporate worship. Regardless of the weather, if at all possible, the journey is made to the location where they meet others each week. Spirituality is alive and well in the many communities that make up the State of Alaska. Sometimes winter is a little precarious, at best, and then people may not make their weekly trip to their house of worship. But most of the time, the people who call Alaska home, make the trek come rain, shine, fog, or snow. It is just another part of daily life in the far north.

In North Pole, Alaska, you are never quite sure what the day may give you. One thing is for sure, winter arrives with diligence each year in late Autumn and the people that call North Poll home are well prepared. It’s called, layer up, bundle up, and head on out for another adventure in Alaska’s frosty north.

Driving In The Ice Fog In The Subarctic Of Alaska

Driving in the ice fog takes talent! Keep your wheels in the tracks of the last vehicle, your eyes on the road ahead, and your lights low, so as to see right in front of the tires. Slow and easy is the motto of the day. The slower you are going the more likely you are to see your side road when it appears for a brief second. Miss your chance and you are out of luck, there is no where to turn around. This is a slice of life in the ice fog!

Frosty sod roof log cabin in North Pole

The legacy of the simple log cabin is woven into the very framework of everyday Alaskan life. The thick logs provide insulation when caulked properly and the cabins are easy to keep warm. Most are quite small and are heated by a single wood stove.

This log cabin has a sod roof which is extremely friendly to the environment. The weight of the sod bears down on the logs, which compresses the logs together even tighter than a regular roof. It helps in the insulation of the cabin during the long cold winters. The walls have almost no draft with a sod roof, which lowers the cost of heating and cooling the cabin. The sod also provides a place for the rainwater to soak in, and reduces the run off happening all at once. Rather the rain water gently is allowed to run to the environment, and run off woes and flooding is avoided.

The sod roofs are also a friendly place for wildlife to utilize the native grasses in their daily life. Small animals find nesting material in the spring, and often utilize the roof as a home. Often people add a few wild flower seeds to the sod when planted. This provides a very appealing roof in the spring, summer, and fall. The plants filter the air, produce oxygen, and provide shade.

Exploring The Alaskan Back Country As Winter Sets In

Exploring the vast back-country of Alaska’s interior is exciting any time of the year, but as the snow begins to accumulate it is even more so. Everything is so still and white, that small animals are easy to see as they prepare for the leaner months of winter in the far North. Many animals store up food for the upcoming months and still others just eat enough that they can live off of the extra during the months of deep snow and ice. This is a time of preparation in Alaska’s vast interior!

This is also a time when you will see many moose eating the twigs that are still not covered and frozen in the deep snow. They are easy to see with their tall legs and brown color in this sea of white.

The Willow Ptarmigan hiding in the thickets at Denali National Park

One of the most adaptable birds and the most common across Alaska is the Willow Ptarmigan. The Willow Ptarmigan is a beautiful brown in the summer, changing to almost snowy white in winter. They are so adaptable to their surroundings, that they are hard to spot with the naked eye. In 1955, the Willow Ptarmigan officially became the State Bird of Alaska.

Winter In The Delta Mountains Of Eastern Alaska

The magnificent Delta Mountains is a sub-range to the Alaska Range forming it’s Eastern border. The Delta Range is one of the most accessible mountains within the Alaska Range. It usually has an abundance of snow in the winter, making it a prime winter get-away destination. Three of Alaska’s major highways surround this beautiful wilderness, the Glenn Highway, the Richardson Highway, and the Alaskan Highway. It is perhaps one of the most accessible winter play grounds in the Alaska Range.

Summer sports in the Delta Mountains include climbing, hiking, mountaineering, boating of all kinds, and just plain mountain fun. Fishing is great in the different streams, rivers, and lakes. There is a lot to enjoy about this amazing mountain area. Winter time, of course, brings a whole new array of sports, and there is always the magnificent glaciers, just waiting to be admired.

The Rugged Wilderness Of The Delta Mountains

Glaciers In The Delta Mountains

There are several glaciers and ice caves in this mountain range. Gulkana and Castner Glaciers are two of the most scenic glaciers with easy access. Both have trails leading to the glacier fields. You can also hike into Castner Ice Caves at certain times of the year. If you enjoy winter, then the Delta Mountains will be a delight.

A Moose Enjoying The Twigs From The Trees Not Yet Buried In Snow

Moose mainly eat the toothpick size twigs from the Birch, Poplar, and Willow trees that grow in Alaska. Winter can bring on hunger, and a nice patch of twigs is a great discovery.

Moose are one of the most sought after subjects for photographers in all of Alaska. Many visitors are extremely surprised at their extremely large size. Adult males usually weigh at least 1,000 pounds, and often males can weigh as much as 1,500 pounds. They stand well over six and a half feet tall, and often as much as seven feet. They are best recognized by their long spindly legs.

Most cows give birth to one baby and by five months old, most babies are usually around 300 pounds. These fast growing babies are a lot of fun to watch as they begin to emerge from their secure dens and follow their moms around looking for twigs.

Alaskan Moose Resting In A Bed Of Soft Snow In The Tundra

When the temperatures reach 23 degrees Fahrenheit, moose begin to feel overwhelmed with the heat. It is during this time that you will find them resting in a bed of snow, as they try to get cooled down.

The Beauty Of The Cold Long Winters On The Robertson River

The Robertson River is one of the most scenic rivers in Alaska. In various places it has a thin to a thick layer of glacier ice during winter. This glacial ice is beautiful with a bluish tint. As the winter sun gleams on the ice, this bluish ice is a photographer’s delight.

Ice Fishing In Comfort On Chena Lake In Alaska

Only seventeen miles to the southeast of Fairbanks, in Alaska’s interior, is beautiful Chena Lake. This is a 2,000 acre recreation area shared by the Chena Lake Park and the Chena River Park. Both areas are filled with wildlife and the lake is a favorite spot for ice fishing during the cold winters after the ice is completely solid. Chena Lake is a 260 acre lake that freezes extremely solid in the long cold winters. The park also includes about 4 beautiful curved miles of the Chena River that is quite beautiful. The river also is a major wildlife watering hole, making it an awesome photographers paradise.

The photo above is a very deluxe ice fishing camp on the lake. This is a very professional camp and is much warmer than the normal way of ice fishing. When most locals are fishing, they cut a hole in the ice and feed a line down into the water. If a fish is caught, then it is retrieved through that same hole. Ice fishing is a way of life in the Interior of Alaska, providing much needed fish for the table during the long winters.

Beautiful Spruce Trees Laden With Fresh Snow

Snow covered spruce trees decorated by nature for the upcoming winter festivities. They are a beautiful sight to see during this season of brisk temperatures? If you love the sights of winter and you are not afraid of temperatures that can often plunge way into the negatives, Alaska, is the place to be for winter fun.

Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race In Fairbanks Alaska

There is absolutely nothing like the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in the world. It is 1,000 amazing and beautiful miles of some of the toughest, most challenging snow country that nature can dish out. This event is full of mountains and cliffs, deep snow and ice, and temperatures way below zero. The ice fog can be so thick that all you can do is trust your dog. This is an event that is man and dog verses nature, and nature can be cruel. Only the best of the best come here to compete in this remote and dangerous race. This is Alaskan winter fun at every level and most Alaskans appear to watch somewhere along the way. It has often been called the “Last Great Race On Earth.”

Braving The Cold To Watch A Tradition

Every time a racer passes through a village of any size, there will be a crowd lining the streets. There will be a full house at both the starting line and the finish line. This is more than a race, it is a way of life. It brings back not so distant memories of another time, when things revolved around these dogs. This is an Alaskan event, and every racer will be given a hero’s welcome. These teams are the best of the best and they come from all over the world. There may be only one team that is number 1, but there are no losers.

The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year

Christmas time in North Pole, Alaska is considered by most locals as the highlight of the year. What makes it even better, is that Santa Claus House has Christmas all year long. A visit to Santa Claus House is one of the most exciting things to do in North Pole, Alaska. At Santa Claus House you will be able to visit with Santa’s reindeer, receive a letter from Santa postmarked from the North Pole, and the shopping is unbelievable. Here at Santa Claus House you will find gifts that are made in Alaska, ornaments with an Alaskan theme, special Alaskan jewelry, one of a kind clothing, and of course lots and lots of toys. If you are looking for that special one of a kind touch for your own celebration, then Santa Claus House is the place to go.

The Decorations Are Special At Santa Claus House

Enjoy the reindeer as they guide you To Santa Claus House. This is one of the most festive times of the year, when there is snow or ice fog on the decorations.

The Northernmost Denny’s In The World Is uniquely Alaskan

Can you find another Denny’s that serves Reindeer Sausage with it’s potatoes and eggs? This is a treat for the taste buds, as it is so delicious. If potatoes and eggs aren’t for you, then how about a stack of cakes with Reindeer Sausage on the side? While you are there, be sure to look out the window, as moose are often seen passing by.

The Long Polar Night In North Pole Alaska

The North Pole is at it’s maximum tilt away from the sun, making it the shortest day of the year and the beginning of winter solstice. The Northern lights and the stars are spectacular this time of year! On a cold clear night, there is so much light from the moon and stars that the snow gleams in the darkness of the long night. These beautiful clear nights are excellent for viewing the Northern Lights.

Ice and Hoar Frost makes Fairbanks Alaska A Picturesque Winter Wonderland

Even though the nights are long and dark during the long winters, the short days are beautiful as the sun beams down on trees covered with ice and frost. This is an amazing place, with spectacular beauty wherever you go. If you enjoy winter, then come on North and enjoy the land of the long polar nights with it’s beautiful, though short, sunny and brisk days.

North American Lighthouses Adventures

March 30, 2019 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

On The Rocky Coast Of Cape Elizabeth Maine Is The Lighthouse At Two Lights

The quaint and picture perfect town of Cape Elizabeth, Maine is the perfect site for the Two Lights State Park. The natural dramatic, abounding grasslands, and extreme rocky coast are the just the beginning of your Two Lights Lighthouse adventure. Maine’s extremely rocky coasts are legendary, and here you have 41 acres of this rocky coastline projecting out into the magnificent Atlantic Ocean. It is a short walk to the lighthouse, where upon arrival you will be far above the rocky coastline and wild surf, with amazing panoramic views of Casco Bay and the open Atlantic Ocean.

There are two lighthouses near by the park, and they provided the inspiration for the name of the Park. Two Lights State Park is close by both lighthouses, the Eastern Light is not open to the public, and is an active lighthouse. The light from this lighthouse is automated and can be seen for over 17 miles. The above lighthouse or Western Lighthouse has not been in operation since 1924. It is now a private home and is not open to the public. It was the subject for a famous painting, “Lighthouse at Two Lights.” This famous painting was painted by Edward Hopper.

Wild Roses With Sea Breezes At Cape Elizabeth In Portland, Maine

The rocky shores of Cape Elizabeth are rugged and filled with the aroma of fresh and beautiful wild roses growing in between the rocks. The freshness of the gentle ocean breezes coupled with the scent of wild roses fills the ocean-side with a hint of wonder and a touch of paradise. What a perfect location to spend your summers. Could it get anymore perfect than a rental cottage by the sea?

Cape Elizabeth, in Portland, Maine is known for it’s small cottages that are rented out for the summer months. Why not make this the year you smell the roses in Portland, Maine. Most of the seaside cottages are listed with the area realtors, and they specialize in short term rentals.

Historic Portland Head Lighthouse In Cape Elizabeth, Maine

Built in 1791, it is the oldest lighthouse in the State of Maine. Portland Head Lighthouse calls the town of Cape Elizabeth home. It sits along the magnificent rocky shores of Fort William’s Park. It is a major landmark and is owned by the town of Cape Elizabeth near Portland, Maine. The Park is open year around from sunrise to sunset.

Fort William’s Park is home to one of the nicest and most complete lighthouse museums. It is housed in the old keeper’s residence, where there are several lenses with the history behind each one. There is also a small gift shop located in the museum where special gifts from Maine can be purchased in season.

Portland Head has some of the most unique history found among lighthouses. Long before there was a lighthouse, Portland Head itself helped to protect the citizens of Cape Elizabeth. They were deeply committed to the idea that America needed to become independent of British rule. In the year 1776 the town residents posted a guard of 8 soldiers at Portland Head. In case the British were coming to attack, they would sound the alarm.

It was not until 1787 that the Massachusetts Legislature provided the first $750 dollars to begin construction of a lighthouse at the Head. In 1790, after the United States Government took control over all lighthouses, congress appropriated an additional $1,500 dollars to complete what had been started. The original lights were made up of 16 whale oil lamps that were lit for the first time on the 10th day of January in the year 1791.

Portland Head Light Fog Bell

The Portland Head Light Fog Bell is proudly displayed outside of the lighthouse on a granite display. This is the original 1901 fog bell that was used at the lighthouse and weighs over 1,000 pounds.

The Lost Fisherman’s Memorial And Mulholland Lighthouse

Eastern Maine, with all of it’s lighthouses, fishing villages, and fishing culture, is the perfect location for the Lost Fisherman’s Memorial. It brings to memory all those from Washington County, Maine and Charlotte County, New Brunswick, Canada who were Lost at Sea while fishing. This memorial in Lubec, Maine has 111 names currently who have perished in these waters or that called these two places home and perished in other waters where they were fishing. When the project is finished the website will give information about each of the deceased fisherman, some of their stories, and a small biography about each of the fisherman with a picture of each. This project gives honor to each of the deceased fisherman who lived in the cities, towns, and villages that are a part of this geographical area or who died while fishing in these waters. May each of these fisherman always be honored and remembered.

Seen in the photo is the Mulholland Lighthouse. This is directly across from the The Lost Fisherman’s Memorial in Lubec, Maine on Campobello Island. This lighthouse is not open to the public and is a part of the Roosevelt Campobello International Park. Mulholland Lighthouse was built in 1885 to guide boats, ships, and freighters through the Lubec Channel that were coming or going to USA or Canadian ports. Visitors to Campobello Island are able to walk around the lighthouse grounds and view the outside of the lighthouse. There is a picnic area on the island for families to enjoy. It affords a perfect view of the picturesque village of Lubec.

Another View Of Mulholland Lighthouse on Campobello Island

View Of Lubec, Maine From Campobello Island

The charming fishing village of Lubec, Maine in the Passamaquoddy Bay is in the most extreme part of Northeast Maine. As of the last census taken, this picturesque village had 1359 year around residents. Northeastern Maine has long been a favored area for the wealthy who desired to own summer cottages.

Authentic Fresh Lobster Roll In Maine

While you are on the go, checking out Maine lighthouses and the surrounding sites, you might want to slow down and enjoy some fast food, Maine style. The ultimate in Maine fast food is the Lobster Roll served with lemon and french fries. This Lobster is served fresh from the sea, as is all the unique fish themed meals in Eastern Maine. If lobster is not your favorite fish, there is always a more traditional salmon dinner, or fish and chips is another fast food favorite. Whatever fish you choose, it will be fresh, and of the highest quality.

Head Harbour (East Quoddy) Lighthouse

Head Harbour (East Quoddy) Lighthouse had it beginnings in 1929 on the Northern end of Campobello Island in New Brunswick, Canada. The original wooden octagonal tower, as seen in the photo, was built on a slender rocky islet and stood fifty-one feet tall. It was the first lighthouse to be built in New Brunswick and is the oldest Canadian Lighthouse. This splendid lighthouse looked out proudly on Saint John Harbor, where she would be a guide for the ships coming into the docks. One of the most unique features of the lighthouse was the lack of communication. The only way to access this lighthouse was by boat until in 1830, when a road was built to connect it to Wilson Beach, a small community that was the closest to the Head.

Not too long after the road was built, they had a storm with major surges bringing the water level around the lighthouse to about 25 feet, as reported by the Saint John Courier Newspaper (April 10, 1930). The first Keeper, John Snell, lost everything around the lighthouse that wasn’t tied down, this included his years worth of firewood, his boat, barn, and even his cow. However the cow somehow landed on a neighboring island and was returned.

This beautiful white lighthouse, with a red cross on one side, still stands proudly and is included on most boat lighthouse tours. Until 1986, Head Harbour (East Quoddy) Lighthouse was a working lighthouse. In 1988 it was officially taken off the books and in 2000 the Friends of the Head Harbour (East Quoddy) Lighthouse was formed to preserve this historic lighthouse for future generations.

Wild Blueberry Pie In Maine

While on your lighthouse adventure in Northeastern Maine, don’t forget to stop for some Wild Blueberry Pie. The flavor is sweet and scrumptious. It is a favorite desert in Northeastern Maine, where the blueberry’s grow wild in the forests that line the sandy beaches that are filled with rocks, where the wild roses love to grow. Nothing is better than this wild blueberry pie, unless you might add some ice cream on the plate. So come on out and enjoy another specialty of Northeastern Maine.

West Quoddy Head Lighthouse On Campobello Island USA

On the other side of the island stands West Quoddy Head Lighthouse that guides ships through the Quoddy Narrows in Lubec Maine. This bright candy-stripped lighthouse can be seen for miles from it’s perch on the far most eastern point of the mainland of the United States. Just imagine the perfectly spectacular sunrises out across the sea. The current tower was built in 1858, replacing the original tower that had been built in 1808.

There is an amazing seasonal gift shop on the first floor of the historic keepers residence. You will find history, displays, short films, and unique artwork from the locals for sale. This is a not a for profit shop and is overseen by the Lightkeeper’s Association. You will find it open from Memorial Day till early November. Usually just before it closes for the winter, the Coast Guard will give tours of the facility. The interior of the lighthouse is generally not open to the public.

Quoddy Head State Park is open for visitors during this same time of the year. Here you will find bogs to investigate, the Coastal Trail for those who like to hike, and rocky beaches to discover. During the whale season, you will often see them coming up for air. There are picnic tables for family get-togethers, and some of the most gorgeous views around.

For a quiet self guided tour of the Lubec Lighthouses, gift shops, and surrounding area, you will want to include Quoddy State Park. As a bonus are all the perfect views and sunrises.

Cool Mossy Cliffs Overlooking The Sea In Lubec, Maine

The mornings are cool and inviting as a fine misty fog gently accents the coastal area of Lubec, Maine. The enormous rocky cliffs define the area with the native grasses growing along side. On days when the fog lifts early in the morning, you can see the beautiful sunrises, though most often you can only see from places that are a little higher. The fine coastal mist flies through the air with the surf from the passing waves. What a beautiful area to have your morning coffee.

A Fresh Feast Of Lobster And Clam Pot By The Sea In Maine

Before leaving Maine, be sure to swing by one of the local fish restaurants for a delicious seafood feast. There is nothing like a fresh seafood platter consisting of some of the best lobster and clam pots that you will ever eat. These are mouth-watering temptations that are hard to pass up. Though if you do decide to pass this one by, there are plenty of other seafood delicacies on every menu.

A misty Evening At Dryad Point On Campbell Island In British Columbia Canada

Along the Inside Passage, at the end of Campbell Island, is one of the nicest lighthouses in British Columbia, Canada. When you come to Dryad Point, you are at the crossroads of Lama Passage and Seaforth Channel. It was originally called Turn Point, but was re-named when the construction began in 1899 to avoid any mix ups between a lighthouse named Turn Point in the San Juan Islands. The name Turn Point seemed perfect for the lighthouse, since the ships coming up the inside passage were required to make a really sharp turn in order to continue their trip up the Inside Passage.

The area is known for its rich First Nation history and is the home of the Heiltsuk Native Band. The first keeper of the lighthouse, Captain Carpenter, was himself a member of the First Nations and his wife was the daughter of Chief Kaiete.

In 1901 a hand foghorn was added that was needed to answer the fog horns on the ships. In 1903 the light received a red sector so that it wasn’t so bright for those ships that were trying to make the sharp turn as they continued up the Inside Passage. In 1919 the current lighthouse, a concrete structure was built to replace the old wooden structure.

North Head Lighthouse On Cape Disappointment In Washington USA

Looking out on the Pacific Ocean on Cape Disappointment is the North Head Lighthouse. Since 1856 there had been a lighthouse on Cape Disappointment. The Cape Disappointment Lighthouse went into service in 1856, but it was latter determined that another lighthouse was needed on the other side of the Cape. The “Graveyard of the Pacific” was still claiming too many ships. The new North Head Lighthouse was placed on the spur that is known as North Head. The lighthouse takes it’s name from its location.

Today, this beautiful lighthouse looks out over the treacherous waters where the Columbia River meets the Pacific Ocean. There are no more keepers, as the lighthouse is totally automated. But the views of the Pacific Ocean, the Long Beach Peninsula, the Northern Oregon Coastal region, and the Columbia River Bar are breathtaking.

Lighthouse Adventures

If you want to have an adventure where the shores are often quite rugged, and the beaches rocky, then check out these delightful lighthouse destinations. They are only a sampling of the many lighthouses found in North America, but may be some of the most interesting. Though each lighthouse has it’s own personality, they all are accompanied by an intriguing adventure.

Skagway Alaska Gateway To The North

February 18, 2019 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Skagway Alaska Gateway To The North

Welcome to Skagway Alaska, the gateway to the Klondike and beyond. Skagway is yesterday alive and well! In Skagway, you will hear the old honky-tonk pianos and the cries of the prospectors. Gold has been found! Nothing much has changed in Skagway, Alaska; it is yesterday at its best! Come celebrate with us! Dance to the old honky-tonk piano! Kick up your heels! Immerse yourself in the history of the Klondike! Enjoy everything nature has to show you. Skagway is the northernmost town in Southeast Alaska. Skagway sits on the side of a beautiful glacier. Nothing is prettier under the sun.

Skagway Proper

Branch out from here and visit other areas, like Whitehorse in the Yukon, Canada. Skagway is delightful! Skagway is living history! It is fun! Above all, it’s a must-see when you come to Alaska. Check the site below for listings of events and accommodations. We’ll see you in Skagway.
http://skagway.com/

Travel Tour Highlights

One of the highlights of the area is the Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park. The park was created in 1976 and commemorates all the many hopeful prospectors who flooded the area in the late 1800’s. The visitors center is very informative and the hiking trails are awesome. If you feel ambitious, you can hike the famous Chilkoot Trail. This is a 3-5 day hike and not for beginning hikers. The trail is well maintained by the Park Service and is in good condition. You can access the park website below.

http://www.nps.gov/klgo/index.htm

Skagway is one of the most exciting port of calls for the cruise ships that go up the Inside Passage to Alaska. For example, you can take this cruise out of either Seattle, USA or Vancouver, Canada with other connections. This is one cruise that I have done twice and no two trips are the same. They are an adventure waiting to happen! You can reserve your cruise on the website below.

http://www.alaskacruises.com/cruises/alaska-inside-passage-cruises.html

Other options are the ferry system that travels up the coast. Book your car, the walk-on, your bike, or even your RV. Similarly, it’s much like booking a train, for instance, you can purchase a sleeping berth also. Furthermore, the ferry ships are smaller than cruise ships and seem to be closer to the shoreline allowing different views. This offers more unique photo opportunities and allows you to see different wildlife.

http://www.alaskaferryvacations.com/index.html

There are many fantastic day tours available. Some are as little as one day and others can be ten days. Whatever you desire to see and do, Skagway, Alaska is your jumping off point.

http://www.alaskatravel.com/skagway/

http://frontierexcursions.com/index.html

Exploretraveler.com

Published on [email protected] Feb. 18,2017 at:

https://steemit.com/travel/@exploretraveler/5hovoh-skagway-alaska-gateway-to-the-north

Happiness Abounds At The San Diego Zoo In Southern California

October 17, 2018 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment

Happy And Hungry Giant Panda

It is a beautiful day in Southern California with blue skies and pleasant temperatures. Ten in the morning is the perfect time for arriving at the Panda Habitat. As you arrive, you quickly notice how content and happy the Pandas are. The second thing you quickly observe is that they eat a lot! This is feeding time and this contented fellow is enjoying his almost unlimited bamboo treats.

Who can resist loving anything this cute, with the face of an angel and the grace of a lumberjack. The San Diego Zoo can not help loving these not so gentle giants. It all started in 1987 when two pandas came for a visit for 100 days from China. Latter, in 1996, China agreed to allow the zoo to house two of their pandas. These first two residents, Bai Yun and Gao Gao gave birth to Xiao Liwu in 2012. Bai Yun and Xiao Liwu can be visited at their home habitat in the Panda Trek area. Panda Trek is close to the Giant Panda Research Station. The zoo keepers and the researchers are trying to learn all they can about these wonderful, but endangered, residents of the San Diego Zoo. As for Gao Gao, due to his age and failing health, he lives a quiet life at the Panda Habitat.

An adult Giant Panda is only about 2-3 feet tall, but they are definitely members of the bear family. They walk like a bear, climb like a bear, and play like a bear. They are omnivore, as they love to eat bamboo, many other plants, and a meal of good meat is never passed up. They are, without a doubt, the cutest bears in town. They have an extremely thick body and their bones are thick for the size of the bear. But keep tuned for play time, as you will be astonished at how agile and flexible they really are. Have you ever watched a panda do somersaults? They are cute, agile, and more than ready for the Olympics.

Giant Pandas Are Big On Bamboo

Probably one of the most amazing things about these Giant Pandas is how small they are at birth. They are a little more than 3 ounces when born, are totally dependent on their mother, and are completely without hair. They are so helpless that the mother does not leave the baby alone in the den, even to find food or drink for several days. When a baby cub nears 2 months of age, they usually begin opening their eyes and soon after they will begin to crawl. In the fifth month they are usually walking well and this little rolly poly cub is ready to explore the great outdoors with his mother. From this time on they begin to grow fast, as they eat a lot of bamboo and other plants. They spend over 12 hours a day eating. Now that, is a healthy appetite!

The Adorable Meerkat

Welcome to the happy and crazy habitat of the Meerkats at the San Diego Zoo. These little fellows are cute, spontaneous, clever beyond belief, and a bundle of fun. This spectacular member of the mongoose family is similar to a weasel in many ways. If you have never watched them run and play, you do not know what you are missing.

In their natural habitat, and here at the San Diego Zoo, they like to make large burrows for the whole mob of around 40 members. Sometimes the mob can also be called a gang. They greatly love the companionship of other meerkats and of course there is safety in larger numbers. They often groom each other and spend much of the day in group play.

A mob of meerkats are a gang of several family units, though there is always one pair that is dominant. This structure keeps them together as a community, while answering their individual needs to be groomed and played with. It is their love of community that keeps them strong, even in the face of danger.

This amazing meerkat lives about eight years in the wild, and can live as long as 13 in a good zoo. When they are first born, they usually weigh less than a pound, but when full grown they would have doubled that. Even a large meerkat is not much over two pounds. They may not weigh much, but they can be nine to thirteen inches long. Unlike most animals, it is the female that will outweigh the male.

By far, the most amazing thing about them is their dare devil way of getting their food. These tiny hunters can kill poisonous snakes so fast that the snake doesn’t know what happened. They also like to eat the desert scorpions, though like the snake, their venom doesn’t seem to bother them. They have some type of immunity to the venom, as it does not seem to affect them in any way. They also love eating roots and tubers they find in the ground, and a favorite are the tsama melons. The moisture naturally found in the tubers and roots supply them with all the water they need.

These little creatures can keep you laughing as they run, climb, and play. If you are feeling down, just head to the Meerkat Habitat, and they will give your mood a big boost. It is hours of fun and games, in the life of the Meerkat. If you need an injection of laughter, then you have come to the right place.

The Unique Kentia Palm Seeds Of Southern California

As you wander through the grounds, be sure to take in all the unique palms and flowers that grow in Southern California. The San Diego Zoo Grounds has many different palms, each with their own uniqueness. This one is known for it’s patterned bark and it’s strange looking seeds that grow on the outside of the tree.

This is a slow growing tropical palm that can make a wonderful house plant. It will quickly become a conversation piece. In the San Diego area, it is an outdoor treat for curious eyes, and inquiring minds.

The Skeleton Of A Python Is All Backbone

This is a giant Python! It is not a venomous snake or even an evil one, as we generally assume. If you look closely at the skeleton above you can see where he has had several broken ribs that healed. Pythons live in Africa, Asia, and Australia.They love the native savannas and rain forests of these areas. Pythons move while in a straight line, making their ribs very strong and stiff. Adult Pythons make a good meal for the larger Birds of Prey. Even leopards and sometimes lions get in on the action.

They hatch their eggs when it is time to reproduce. During the incubation period the Python keeps her eggs warm by coiling her body around her eggs. If she sees they are too cold, she does a shivering motion with her body to warm up the eggs. This is a lot of exertion, and afterwards she will not lay eggs again for three or four years. Once the eggs hatch, the babies are on their own. Then the life cycle begins all over again, with the babies trying to outsmart their predators.

The Long Snouted Indian Gharial

This Long Snouted Indian Gharial has gone Jurassic at the San Diego Zoo in Southern California. This Gharial, with his 110 very sharp teeth and very long snout, is amazing at catching fish, thus he is often called the fish-eating crocodile. Fish is his main source of food. This member of the crocodile family spends most of his time in the water, though when cold, he pulls himself onto the bank and spends a few hours in the sun. He is one of the three different crocodiles that are native to India, Pakistan, and Nepal. The male Gharial has like a round knob or growth on the end of his slender snout. The Gharial having lived on earth for an estimated 65 million years, is now a critically endangered species.

Flamboyant Flamingo At The Flamingo Lagoon

Flamingos are most at home in salty or caustic lagoons or very shallow lakes. These lakes are poisonous for most other animals, so they have little competition for the algae, diatoms, and those small crustaceans. This is perfect, as these tiny creatures are what they prefer to dine on. If ever there was a win-win situation, this is it!

The San Diego Zoo has one of these caustic lagoons, and it is the perfect environment for these beautiful giant birds. Like other Lagoons elsewhere, it is too salty and caustic for other birds or fish that might give competition for their favorite food supply. With that in mind, the Flamingos at the San Diego Zoo flourish in the Southern California Sun.

Their extremely long legs also allow the Flamingos to wade farther out into the water than other animals, and thus their selection of food is even greater. If you have ever watched a Flamingo fish for his food, you can not help but enjoy this unique and different concept in fishing. While holding their beak upside down, they begin taking in water. They take in water, animals and all, and then filter out the water with their built in water filter. All that remains are these tiny creatures and dinner is served.

These beautiful birds put on quite an airshow, when they travel in formation. Just imagine their long beautiful necks sticking straight out ahead, and their legs straight out behind. When they wave their wings, as they often do, the colors are spectacular.

Tasmanian Devil At The San Diego Zoo

The Tasmanian Devil is a strange looking marsupial which lives in the grasslands and forests of Tasmania Island, Australia. Such a little fellow, but he has earned his name. He is similar in many ways to the rat in features, but watch out for his temper. He has sharp teeth and when he is mad he is vicious. He is known to have one of the sharpest bites in the animal kingdom.

Even though the majority of Tasmanian Devils prefer the grasslands and forests, you will find them throughout the island. Watch your step, as they like to sleep in empty caves, burrows that they run across, and under rocks or logs. The better they can hide, the happier they are. Such a combination of happy and snarly! They are nocturnal and so sleep all day and often go on long journeys at night. It is not unusual for them to travel up to 10 miles in a single night.

The Tasmanian Devil is highly endangered and is in grave danger of dying off due to a very deadly and transmissible cancer. Great care is being taken in the safekeeping, protection, and study of this little devilish critter with the terrible temper at the San Diego Zoo. Be sure to check out this little fellow next time you are at the zoo.

The South American Guanaco At The San Diego Zoo

Welcome to the home of the Guanacos, a close relative to the camel. Where as, camels are the work horses of the desert with coarse coats, the Guanaco is so very soft, has no humps, is smaller, and extremely graceful. They are beautiful with their light brown coats with white underbellies. Their tails are quite short, they have really long necks, and big ears that point straight up. Unlike camels that come from Africa and Asia, Guanacos come from South America. A Guanaco is much smaller than a camel and larger than other camelids, such as alpacas, vicunas, or llamas.

Guanacos live in groups with one dominant adult male, up to about 10 females, and all their young chulengos. Unattached bachelors form their own groups which may be 50 or more adult males. When a female Guanaco gives birth, her Chulengs are quite able to stand and walk. They have no issue with keeping up with the rest of the group shortly after birth.

If they were put on display at a beauty contest, they would surely come in first place. You haven’t seen beauty, until you check out the Guanacos that live at the San Diego Zoo.

Elephant Odyssey Showcases The Pleistocene Era Tar Pit

Showcasing California’s spectacular history during what is known as the Pleistocene Era, Elephant Odyssey tells the story of who these magnificent animals were that roamed Southern California. You will be able to discover the 40 species that went extinct during this time. This amazing exhibit was done together with The La Brea Tar Pits, The Western Center for Archaeology & Paleontology, and The San Diego Natural History Museum. Here you will learn the significance of the extinctions on today’s animal kingdom. When you see the most famous of the exhibits, the elephant, you will watch them in all there grandeur, as they mate, raise families, and play together. What an enlightening experience this will be for those who care about the animals of today. As we learn from the past, we will be better able to meet the challenges of today’s animal kingdom.

The Playful World Of The Schmidt’s Red-tailed Monkey

The Schmidt’s Red-tailed Monkey goes by several names, but the best description for this cute little fellow is this one. He has a beautiful red tail from which he gets his name. Other noticeable characteristics of this cute primate are his white nose and checks surrounded by a body of gorgeous black or dark grey fur. Like many other animals, he has what seems to be expanding checks so that he can both gather and store food. Sometimes he will need to store his food for months.

These cute little primates are indeed quite small. They usually have bodies that are only about one to two feet long, though his tale can be as long as 35 inches. Males are usually on the top of the scale, with females being very small indeed. The males can weigh from seven to ten pounds, where a female is only in the six to eight pound range. Their long red tales are not only beautiful, but they are used for balance when needed.

The Majestic Great Blue Heron

This majestic Heron actually calls the wetlands that are so common in North America and also Central America home. This graceful heron is the largest bird in North America and certainly the most spectacular. The Great Blue Heron stands tall at 36-54 inches and when they open those magnificent wings, they span from 66-70 inches. Can you imagine the skies of San Diego when they all decide to fly? The skies are filled with large dusty blue herons. What a spectacular sight!

The San Diego Zoo is one of the largest zoos in our country and certainly one of the cleanest and caring. Many endangered species call this huge zoo home, along with the researchers that are working day and night to prevent their names being added to those that are extinct. While we have given you 12 reasons to enjoy this spectacular zoo, the list of animals almost seems endless. These 12 are only some of our favorites. So next time you are in Southern California, be sure to join us for a relaxing visit to the residents of the San Diego Zoo.

Exploring Whittier Alaska

August 22, 2018 by Exploretraveler.com Leave a Comment